Today in Nerd History | August 22

August 22 delivers a time-traveling masterpiece, an internet comedy legend, a horse of a different (animated) color, and a long-awaited Jedi spinoff. Whether you’re mashing buttons on a SNES controller or bingeing Star Wars from your couch, today’s nerd lineup is an absolute classic.

Inclusion on this list does not imply that the entry is family friendly, only that it was a nerd culture milestone. Parents should, of course, use discernment.

“Chrono Trigger,” developed by Square (now Square Enix), was released in North America on August 22, 1995. This role-playing game (RPG) is celebrated for its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and memorable characters, earning it a place as one of the greatest video games of all time.

Nerdy Facts:

• Dream Team: “Chrono Trigger” was developed by a “dream team” of creators, including Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy), Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest), and Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball), combining their expertise to create a legendary game.
• Multiple Endings: The game features multiple endings, allowing players to influence the story’s outcome based on their choices and actions, a revolutionary concept at the time.
• Timeless Music: The game’s soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu, is highly acclaimed and remains one of the most beloved video game soundtracks, contributing significantly to the game’s enduring popularity.

Strong Bad cracked his boxing-gloved knuckles and started answering fan e-mails on this day, launching a fan-favorite feature that helped define early 2000s internet humor. From catchy songs to low-budget animation gags, Strong Bad E-mails became the cornerstone of HomestarRunner.com.

Nerdy Facts:

• The segment ran for over 200 episodes, creating fan-favorite characters like Trogdor the Burninator and Teen Girl Squad.
• It helped make Flash animation a legitimate platform for independent comedy creators in the pre-YouTube era.
• Strong Bad’s sarcastic, masked persona became a cult icon, with merch and even a Telltale Games adventure.

“BoJack Horseman,” created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, premiered on Netflix on August 22, 2014. This animated series follows the life of BoJack Horseman, a washed-up actor from a 90s sitcom, as he navigates the complexities of fame, addiction, and relationships.

Nerdy Facts:

• Voice Cast: The show features an all-star voice cast, including Will Arnett as BoJack, Amy Sedaris as Princess Carolyn, Alison Brie as Diane Nguyen, Paul F. Tompkins as Mr. Peanutbutter, and Aaron Paul as Todd Chavez.
• Dark Humor: “BoJack Horseman” is known for its dark humor and exploration of serious themes such as depression, addiction, and existential crises, making it a unique and critically acclaimed series.
• Critical Acclaim: Despite a mixed initial reception, the show gained critical acclaim over its six seasons, praised for its writing, character development, and willingness to tackle difficult topics with depth and sensitivity.

“Ahsoka,” a series set in the Star Wars universe, premiered on Disney+ on August 22, 2023. Starring Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano, the show follows the former Jedi Knight as she investigates an emerging threat to the galaxy following the events of “The Mandalorian.”

Nerdy Facts:

• Beloved Character: Ahsoka Tano, originally introduced in the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” quickly became a fan favorite, leading to her appearance in “Star Wars Rebels” and her live-action debut in “The Mandalorian.”
• Creator Involvement: Dave Filoni, who co-created Ahsoka’s character and worked on “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels,” is heavily involved in the series, ensuring continuity and depth in her story arc.
• Expanded Universe: The series expands on the Star Wars universe, connecting threads from various shows and movies, and delving deeper into the lore and history of the galaxy far, far away.

From timeless RPGs to deeply flawed animated equines, sarcastic lucha-mask-wearing e-mailers to Togruta Jedi rebels—August 22 hits every corner of nerd culture. Happy Nerd History Day!​